This house in Saint Paul’s
Highland neighborhood is perched above a wooded ravine. However, its south end, with the greatest
potential for dramatic views, was cut off from the exterior. The addition connects the kitchen to the
woods by way of a new informal sitting room, including a dining area looking
into afternoon gardens surrounding a new deck.
The reeded vaulted ceiling was inspired by a discussion of the Japanese
room at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Floors are reclaimed hardwoods, and the walls were plastered by a
decorative painter. The lower level now
has a guest walkout bedroom. And exterior
limestone stairs now connect the upper gardens to the lawn below.